GROUP ASSIGNMENT ENGLISH

BABYROUSA

WRITTEN BY : M. Rinno Rahmansyah M. Fadli Prakoso Dito M. Tresna I.F.

SDIT Thariq bin Ziyad Kelas VI D

Babirusa
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Babyrousa celebensis

Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Superorder: Cetartiodactyla Order: Artiodactyla Family: Suidae Subfamily: Babyrousinae Babyrousa Genus:
Perry, 1811

Species See text.

The babirusas are a genus, Babyrousa, in the pig family (Suidae) found in Wallacea, or specifically the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru.[1] All members of this genus were considered part of a single species until recently, the babirusa, B. babyrussa, but following the split into several species, this scientific name is restricted to the Buru babirusa from Buru and Sula, whereas the best-known species, the north Sulawesi babirusa, is named B. celebensis.[2] The name "pig-deer" has sometimes also been used in English, and is a direct translation of the Indonesian babi-rusa.

Classification
The genus is monotypic within the subfamily Babyrousinae, or alternatively considered to form a tribe, Babyrousini, of the subfamily Suinae.

All members of this genus were considered part of a single species until recently, the babirusa or pig-deer, B. babyrussa, but following the split into several species, this scientific name is restricted to the Buru babirusa from Buru and the Sula Islands, whereas the best-known species, the north Sulawesi babirusa, is named B. celebensis.[2] The split, which uses the phylogenetic species concept, is based on differences in size, amount of hair on body and tail-tuft, and measurements of the skull and teeth.[2]

Origin
Although babirusas are present on both Sulawesi and Sula, they are not found on the large islands between the two, the Banggai Archipelago. It has been hypothesized the unusual distribution is due to them being transported by humans as gifts bestowed by native royalty.[3] The Balinese Hindu-era Court of Justice pavilion and the "floating pavilion" of Klungkung palace ruins are notable for painted babirusa raksasa (gargoyles) on the ceilings.[3] To date, only one fossil skull has been found to suggest a larger ancestor.[4]

Habitat and behavior

The babirusas are found in tropical forest. They are omnivores, but mainly feed on fruits.[5]

Reproduction
In the north Sulawesi babirusa, males "box" much like rabbits or kangaroos during mating season. Females after 120150 days have a litter of one or two piglets, in a nest. Little is known about the behavior of the other species of babirusas, but it may match that of the north Sulawesi babirusa.

Notable characteristics

Skull The male has highly conspicuous tusks formed from the canine teeth, but their exact shape depends on the species. In the north Sulawesi babirusa, they grow upward through the skull

and curve back towards the skull between the eyes, while they lack the strong curve in the Togian babirusa.[2] Both the north Sulawesi and Togian babirusa are nearly bald (with only very fine hairs), but the latter has a relatively distinct tail-tuft. As also suggested by the alternative names for the Buru babirusa, hairy or golden babirusa, it is covered in relatively dense golden hair, resulting in a rather different appearance than the other species.[2] The female has only one pair of teats.[5]

Status
The babirusas are protected in Indonesia and poaching is illegal. Yet, a large percent of the inhabitants of Sulawesi and surrounding islands are Christians (in a country otherwise predominantly Muslim), and hunting and pork are major components of their diet and culture. The babirusa is thus considered something of a delicacy. All extant species of babirusa are threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, resulting in them being listed as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN.[6] Babyrousa babyrussa beruensis was described as an extinct, Pleistocene subspecies from southwestern Sulawesi before babirusas were split into multiple species.

Species

Buru babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa), also known as the hairy or golden babirusa. Bola Batu babirusa (Babyrousa bolabatuensis) North Sulawesi babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis), also known as the Sulawesi babirusa. Togian babirusa (Babyrousa togeanensis)

Babyrousa
The Babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) is a very special member of the pig family. Up until now the relationship between the Babirusa and the other pig species hasn't been resolved completely. There are pieces of research, which suggest the conclusion, that it is closely related to Hippopotamuses, close relatives of pigs themselves. With its cylindrical body, its

bristly skin, the small ears and the long snout, the Babirusa can be easily identified as a typical pig relative at least on the face of it, although its legs are extraordinarily long and thin. Babirusas reach lengths of about one metre and weigths of 100 kg - much less than the size of Wild boars. They have a very special marking, which distinguishes them from all other pigs and which is unique in the animal kingdom: It is the curious growth of the upper canine teeth of the males. The fact that they are extremely long isn't very special among pigs and even the fact that the canine teeth are worn outside the mouth is shared by other animals too. But very special is the fact that the canine teeth are growing through the snout from the inside to the outside. Together with the canine teeth of the lower jaw, which are also very long, they resemble antlers. The canine teeth of the upper jaw seem to be completely without function at first glance. They neither can be used for foraging because of their position nor can they be used as weapons because of their fragility. The only function they might have is that of a rank or status symbol. The bizarre teeth of the males are growing in an arched way to the back and might grow into the snout from the outside again. The females wear either upper canine teeth of normal lengths or none at all. Babirusas live on the national territory of Indonesia, which consists of many islands and archipelagos. They inhabit the island of Sulawesi, the Togian Islands and the Moluccan Islands. The populations of the three distribution ranges differ from each other in several markings, allowing researchers to establish three subspecies of the Babirusa - the Sulawesi babirusa, the Togian babirusa and the Moluccan babirusa. The prefered habitat of all subspecies is the rainforest. Here they live solitary or in small groups, moving mostly on firm trails within their territories. Like all pigs Babirusas like wallowing to get rid of skin parasites. Their diet consists of fruits and nuts. Very sought-after are mangos, but also mushrooms and leaves are taken. Babirusas get animal protein in the form of insects, which they often flush in rotten wood. In contrast to Wild boars, Babirusas avoid farmland and thus conflicts with farmers. Nevertheless they are hunted for their meat - in spite of laws protecting them. In addition the conversion of forests into areas used for agriculture contributes to the decline of the populations. Babirusas have always been scarce, but today they are very endangered. The few zoos, which are keeping Babirusas, try to breed them in coordinated breeding programs. The one to three piglets are born after a pregnancy of about five months. They take solid food, when just a few days old, are weaned at an age of six to eight months and become sexually mature after one to two years. Babirusas reach an maximum age of 24 years.

Babirussa
Common Name: Babi rusa Genus: Babyrousa Species: babyrussa

The babirusa is a wild pig with curly tusks found only on the islands of Sulawesi, Toga and Molucca of the Indonesian archipelago. Their habitat is the rainforests and canebrakes, near rivers and lowland forests. The babirusa is a very strange looking member of the pig family. They are only distantly related to other pigs, and have been given their own subfamily, the Babirousinae. There are three subspecies of the Babirusa corresponding to the areas where they are found; the Sulawesi, Togian, and Moluccan babirusa. These subspecies have different hair covering, hair color, and tusk and body sizes. Fossil studies seem to show that the babirusa may be more closely related to hippopotamuses than pigs. The name babirusa in Malay means "pig deer". It got this name from its bizarre tusks. The upper canines actually grow up through the skin of it snout from the inside. These 12 inch long tusks then grow up and curl over towards the forehead, sometimes touching the snout again. The lower canines are also very long and protrude from the sides. The two sets of tusks give the appearance of the antlers of a deer. Only the bottom tusks are used offensively. The top tusks can't be used for foraging or as weapons because they are very fragile and lose in their sockets. Females have shorter tusks, or none at all. Babirusa are smaller than domestic pigs. They are 2.8-3.6 feet in length, and 2.12.6 feet at shoulder height. The tail is 8-12 inches long and not twisted. Babirusas weigh from 95-220 pounds. This curly-tusked pig has a rounded body with almost hairless, bristly skin. The sparse hairs are yellowish in color. Their skin is gray to brown, with a lighter colored underbelly. Their legs are thin and longer than on most pigs. Mature babirusas have large folds near their necks and bellies. Babirusa reach sexual maturity from 1 to 2 years. After mating the pregnancey lasts 150 to 157 days. The babirusa only gives birth to 1 to 3 young at a time, unlike other pigs who will have 7 to 9 piglets. The mother babirusa will lie down to nurse her piglets. Although the young will begin to forage within the first week after birth, they aren't weaned until they are 6 to 8 months old. The babirusa has a life span of 24 years.

The babirusa is usually a solitary animal, although it will sometimes live in small groups. Its habits are duirnal, and it tends to feed in the morning. Its diet consists of fruits, nuts, mangos, mushrooms, leaves, and insects found in rotting wood. Unlike other pigs it doesn't root around the dirt for food with its snout. It moves along well-worn trails along the rainforest floor within their territories. It is a fast runner and a good swimmer, and has been seen swimming to off-shore islands. It has a good sense of smell and makes grunting and moaning sounds. When it gets excited it chatters its teeth. Like most other pigs it loves to wallow in mud baths to rid itself of parasites. In the past babirusa were kept by rulers in Sulawesi and given as gifts to visiting diplomats. Masks of Balinese demons often resemble the stangely tusked babirusa. Unfortunately the future doesn't look good for this amazing creature. They have always been scarce, but are an endangered species today. Although the babirusa avoids farmlands, and isn't persucuted by farmers, it is a favorite target for poachers. Their limited and small pockets of rainforests are also being converted into agriculture. Their wild population is estimated at around 4,000 to 5,000 animals.